Combe have spent some time now since a favourable result against the islanders. It can hardly be a secret: Guernsey are solid upfront, they run direct lines, and have a defence as tight as…., well choose your own metaphor. Combe would be hoping to build on last week’s good result away at TJ’s, but had made some minor changes. A strong north wind across the pitch, and cold in complete contrast to the heat wave during the week.

From the kick-off Combe were in the opposition right hand corner with Bradley Saffery coming close and thereafter kept the pressure on eventually coming away with a penalty from James Cameron to take an early 3-0 lead. The visitors responded by winning a penalty at the re-start, pushing Combe back into their own 22, and from a line-out and following phases Adam Nixon finished it off with a try out on the right. No conversion. 3-5, ten minutes gone. So far it had been line-outs and penalties. The first scrum came after twenty minutes, and with Charlie Edwards harassing the opposition back row, and combining with Lee Covington, Combe were in the Guernsey 22, but the visitors cleared and countered. With devastating effect. Out on the right centre Luke Jones was worked over for a second try for the visitors, and this time Owen Thomas was successful with his conversion attempt. 3-12, into the second quarter. Now neither side was giving anything away, except penalties that is. Both defences held firm and play was contained mainly within the two twenty-twos. Combe finished the half strongly in the opposition right hand corner but time was called.

Combe began the second half with two storming runs from replacement Jordan Saunders, first from the kick-off, from 22 to halfway before linking with Lee Covington to take it on, then second from the next phase right into the opposition 22 with the added flourish of a couple of dummies. This certainly cheered up the home support. Bradley Saffery and Tom Dowding also had runs, as Combe put a bit more zip into their game. Tom Gray also made ground but was brought down and injured in the process. Replacement Josh Livett was straight into action. Combe were gaining some momentum and with mounting pressure and accumulated possession Bradley Bateup was straight through for a try by the posts which allowed James Cameron to convert. 10-12. About half an hour left to go, but there are few try scoring chances for either side. Combe came close wide out on the right and then pounded the Guernsey line without any breakthrough. Guernsey full-back, Kenny Hellier, was brought down in a text book tackle by Josh Livett. Nor were there many penalty shots at goal. James Cameron had one that just drifted wide in the wind, the islanders had two efforts into the last minutes as much to eat up time than to add to their score as neither effort came close enough. Time was running out: for Combe just one score, for Guernsey to protect their lead. It was all a bit tense. A low scoring game where defences dominated perhaps, it was tight and tough, but close and competitive to keep the crowd captivated to the final whistle.

Next week Combe travel away to Westcliff, kick-off 3.00pm. The following week, 1st October, Combe are at home to Shelford, with a kick-off at 2.30pm.

Westcombe Park XV: B. Bateup; T. Gray, B. Saffery, A. Hitchcock, T. Dowding; J. Cameron, C. Edwards; M. Poole, J. Bonner, J. Stanford, T. Clarke, T. Christopher, M. Davey, L. Covington, C. O’Sullivan.

Match reporter - Bruce Mackenzie.